Autism risk may be linked to mother’s microbiome health

Researchers from the University of Virginia School of Medicine (VA, USA) have revealed that the microbiome of a pregnant mother could determine the risk of autism, as well as other neurodevelopmental disorders in their offspring.

It is possible to alter the microbiome by changing dietary habits, and this could therefore be used to prevent autism development. The results of this study may also provide a new way of detecting autism in early pregnancy.

The microbiome is the collection of microscopic organisms that live inside humans and other animals, and can have far-reaching impacts on overall health. However, the link between the mother’s microbiome health and the healthy development of her offspring is still not fully understood.

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